September 8, 2026. After this date, devices must run at least Android 6.0 to continue receiving updates. Why support ends:
While Android 6.0.1 is supported, it is a relatively old operating system (originally released in late 2015). Over time, some newer WhatsApp features may have limited functionality or may not be available at all due to your phone's hardware constraints.
Because Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) is newer than the current minimum requirement (Android 5.0), the app currently functions on these devices. You can continue to send messages, make calls, and receive updates without immediate interruption.
: Android Marshmallow may aggressively shut down background processes to preserve memory. This can occasionally delay incoming push notifications until you manually launch the app.
: Devices that natively run Android 6.0.1 generally feature older chipsets and minimal RAM (often 1GB to 2GB). You may experience sluggish load times, frame drops, or interface lag.
This is perhaps the most critical issue. Older Android versions often lack the latest security patches and updates. Using an outdated system puts you at risk of cyber threats and vulnerabilities that have been patched on newer systems. When an app like WhatsApp drops support for a version, the security risks for users on that version inevitably increase.
As of mid-2024, Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) is still above the minimum requirement set by WhatsApp. You can download the app, verify your number, and send/receive messages.
: You have approximately five months left. Once September 8, 2026 hits, devices running anything older than Android 6 will be cut off, and your version (6.0.1) will be the new absolute minimum. Summary Table: Compatibility Status (April 2026) About supported operating systems | WhatsApp Help Center
Many devices running Android 6.0.1 may actually be capable of running newer software.
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